The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library hosted its Annual Staff Recognition Awards at the Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, last Friday, 22 April 2022. Several awards were given to staff members who had displayed excellent service and dedication to their respective sites and portfolios.
Dr Malefetjane Phaladi, the DUT Library Director welcomed and thanked all the guests for attending the event. Dr Phaladi used this opportunity to also introduce and welcome new library staff members who have recently joined the library family.
The program directors, Romeo Matumba and Nontutuzelo Sogoni allowed staff members to appreciate and thank colleagues who have played different roles and work ethics in making the library a healthy productive environment. The organising committee named this moment a Charm’s moment.
“We decided to name the category as Charm’s moment in recognition of the act of love and care displayed by Inbanavan “Charm” Naidoo at our previous face to face staff function in 2019 where he appreciated a colleague”, said Romeo Matumba, who is also the Staff Recognition working group team leader.
Special recognitions were given to Wendy Joseph for her dedication to resolving maintenance issues affecting the library, Dennis Mpumlwana and Ayanda Thwala for their consistent hard work, constant assistance and support to colleagues. Other colleagues appreciated by staff members were Blessing Dube and Sthandiwe Makhathini from BM Patel Library, as well as Nomcebo Mthimkhulu from City Campus Library for their valuable contribution and dedication.
Giving thanks to Joseph was Nwabisa Rasana, who said: “Thank you for always being reliable, working hard and your dedication, and for going out of your way to deal with the maintenance issues.”
The first part of the awards was dedicated to Long Service Awards certificates. Romeo Matumba and Nokuthula Mdlalose received their 5 years long service awards. The 10 years of service certificates were awarded to Ntokozo Nxumalo, Nqobizitha Langa, Bongekile Mpungose, and Samkelisiwe Dlamini. Staff members who received their 15 years of service certificates were Nhlanhla Nhleko and Zola Makhoba.
Rajen Eswarlal received an award for his 25 years of service, while Indrani Vino Pillay received an award for her 30 years long service. The longest service award was awarded to Beenadevi “Rita” Ramsaroop for having worked in the library for 35 years. The Library Director, together with members of the library management team handed the certificates to the awardees.
The second part of the awards focused on categories that library staff members had nominated each other for various awards. Special recognition was given to Nonsikelelo Patricia Badenhorst, who was the winner of the prestigious Rookie of the year award. This category recognised new staff members who played an impactful role in their new positions and the hardest and smart working staff.
Badenhorst joined the library team about a year ago and was acknowledged for her professionalism, creativity, and dedication to her team members.
An Extra Mile award was given to multiple winners in this category, for going beyond their normal call of duty to provide excellent library services. They were Reginald Magagula, Prashanth Sivsaran , Ayanda Thwala and Blessing Dube. The Fashionista award was given to both Vuyani Mayela and Zonia Mnyandu who were described as individuals who are always up to date on the latest trends and fashion. Anushie Moonasor was announced as the ‘Outside the Box Thinker’ award winner.
The outstanding Innovator award was awarded to two winners who always come up with great, creative and innovative ideas, these winners were Nozipho Majola and Rajen Eswarlal. The Library Ambassador award was handed over to Romeo Matumba, who was described as a person who spreads the word and goes all the way in promoting library services locally and internationally.
The Librarian of the Year award was given to Kogie Naicker. David Thomas, Manager: Academic Service accepted the award on behalf of Kogie in her absentia.
The Library Director also gave a special director’s award to staff members whom he felt were also representing the library well within the university.
“We are all winners, the library is the winner, however, there will always be some exceptions, in those exceptions these employees did not look within their job description so they have gone beyond their normal duties. Two people deserve this recognition from the Director’s Office and they are Avenal Finlayson and Dr Patrick Mhlongo for their contribution in the knowledge production process, ” said Dr Phaladi.
Siza Radebe gave the vote of thanks. He acknowledged the committee responsible for organising the event. He also thanked the program directors, nominators, Corporate Affairs and the library staff in particular who had attended the event.
Pictured from left to right: Some of the DUT Library staff award winners; Blessing Dube, Beenadevi Ramsaroop, Rajen Eswarlal, Romeo Matumba, Bongekile Mpungose and Ayanda Thwala.
Nomvelo Zulu
